Predatory Assassin bug, Zelus renardii also called as a stink bug because they emit strong odor when disturbed. Most commonly about 1/2 inch in length, and 1/3 of an inch wide. At this point in time, spined soldier bugs are … Still, it is important to keep your plants watered well when you have the spined soldier bug. I consider the BIRC to be the specialists in chemical-free and 'least-toxic' pest control tactics. “In the U.S., the spined soldier bug has shown promise in augmentative biological control in both potatoes (Colorado potato beetle) and soybeans (Mexican bean beetle). Thanks. These predators are more effective than you are at reducing pests on your plants. Spider Mites . Kills Harmful Insects with just one spraying. Spined Solder bugs, Podisus maculiventris are shield shaped bugs that feeds on variety of caterpillars. Beneficial insects are commonly used as biological control for pest insects in an Integrated Pest Management program. To tell the difference, look for spiny shoulders and legs. This pest seeks out comfort – especially warmth – and knows when winter is coming. Download this stock image: Spined Soldier Bug (Podisus maculiventris) - C7CBEC from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Podisus maculiventris – The Spined Soldier Bug is a voracious predator of over 100 different insect pests, including the larvae of Mexican bean beetle, European corn borer, corn earworm, cabbage looper, cabbage worm, Colorado potato beetle and flea beetles. Is this true? A synthetic pheromone formulated from chemicals found in the airborne secretion of Podisus maculiventris, the spined soldier bug, was found to be highly effective in attracting P. maculiventris, a beneficial predatory insect, to desired areas for biological control of pests. You may shudder to hear that spined soldier bugs live in gardens around your home. These predatory spined soldier bugs are considered as the most effective biological control agents because they can kill and feed on caterpillars, larvae and grubs of many insect pests (see below) that are responsible for causing a serious damage to many agricultural and … Soldier Beetle Facts: Attract This Bustling Beneficial Learn about soldier beetles, what they eat, where they live, and how to attract this beneficial insect to your organic garden. If you are struggling with Colorado Potato Beetle or Mexican Bean Beetle, these guys are your go-to for fixing the problem without having to use chemicals. Spined soldier bug prey on a wide variety of prey including 90 insect species across eight orders and possess the capability of controlling more than 75 of these species in different agroecosystems (De Clerg, 2008 and Baek, 2013). Latin name: Podisus maculiventris. The first is the spined soldier bug, a superb predator that looks like a stinkbug but is a confirmed carnivore. He has joined forces with the rest of my army in the vegetable garden. Synthetic pheromones for the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris Abstract. This valuable beneficial insect feeds by penetrating its prey with a harpoon-like proboscis and sucking out the insect’s body fluids. A Spined soldier bug can be identified by its very distinctive looks. The adult has a prominent spine on each "shoulder." Size differs by species. We get this question a lot, Dave. But actually this is great news, not bad news. Adult and nymphs stab their prey with mouthpart and suck dry. Download this stock image: Predatory stink bug Podisus maculiventris stylet inserted in caterpillar prey - AW69BJ from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors.